Jefferson County Disaster Risk
Jefferson County, Florida
FEMA Risk Rating
Very Low
National Percentile
39th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#60
of 67 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
39th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Very Low
Higher than 39% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 57% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Very Low
Higher than 31% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Moderate
Higher than 87% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Jefferson County, Florida
Jefferson ranks well below national norms
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 38.99 places it in the Very Low category, significantly below the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural Big Bend community with substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most American counties.
Florida's lowest-risk county overall
At 38.99, Jefferson County represents the lowest composite risk score among all Florida counties, falling far below the state average of 75.74. The county's inland, rural location shields it from the severe hurricane and storm surge threats affecting Florida's coasts.
Safest in Big Bend region by far
Jefferson County's 38.99 is substantially lower than all surrounding counties, making it the region's safest community for natural hazard exposure. Even nearby Taylor and Madison counties face higher risk profiles, highlighting Jefferson's exceptional protection.
Wildfire and hurricane only meaningful threats
Wildfire risk (71.34) represents Jefferson County's highest hazard exposure, though still moderate compared to most Florida communities, followed by hurricane risk (86.73). Flood (39.40), tornado (57.25), and earthquake (30.76) risks all remain substantially below state and national norms.
Standard coverage sufficient for low risk
Jefferson County's exceptionally low composite risk score (38.99) means standard homeowner's insurance with basic wind coverage is likely sufficient for most residents. Consider adding flood insurance only if your property sits in a flood-prone area, as county-wide flood risk (39.40) remains well below typical levels.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Jefferson County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Jefferson County
Risk Verdict
Compared to the nation's 3,144 counties, Jefferson County ranks at the 39th percentile for natural disaster risk — toward the safer end of the spectrum. A 39th percentile score positions Jefferson County among the nation's lower-risk counties, a genuinely favorable outcome — one that simple, low-cost preparedness habits can reinforce further.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Jefferson County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 87th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Wildfire ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include tornado (57th percentile), flood (39th percentile), earthquake (31th percentile).
Preparedness Context
With hurricane ranked at the 87th percentile nationally, Jefferson County sits in a zone where multi-day supply readiness matters: grid outages after landfalling storms can last one to three weeks in heavily affected areas. Wildfire at the 71th percentile nationally is Jefferson County's secondary hazard, often intensified by the same weather systems that produce hurricane conditions. Insurance gaps are the most common post-hurricane financial shock: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood damage and may have a separate wind deductible. Jefferson County households benefit from a pre-season insurance review confirming both wind and flood coverage.
Regional Context
At 36.7 points below the Florida state average, Jefferson County is among the lower-risk counties in the state for natural disaster exposure.
Is your household prepared for Jefferson County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Jefferson County, FL?
What types of natural hazards affect Jefferson County?
How does Jefferson County risk compare to the Florida average?
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Is Jefferson County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.